i have the same Problem as Geoff.
I used the wordpress ver. 3.4.1 and Pulsemaps 1.6.
Everything is o.k., but the widget still be unvisible.
When i want to connect the 'PulseMap Visitor Map' i see the Java wheel is
turning, but the resides empty. So - i'am not able to adjust the settings in the widget designer.

lousywriter: Your problem appears to be caused by having the PulseMaps widget twice on the same page. It's once in the left column (but hidden with CSS), and again in the right column. The widget won't work if it's used several times on the same page.

Wow. I don't have any idea how this would be in two spots. Unless, as you said, the gravatar bits are doing it automagically somehow. And... honestly... I didn't add those, either. They are installed automagically by Jetpack.

I'll take a stab at this using the information you provided. I appreciate your help.